At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of School by managing a busy diary and coordinating key events.
- Company: Join Oxford High School, a pioneering institution in girls' education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts on school fees.
- Other info: Term-time role with additional weeks during holidays; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a central figure in a vibrant school community and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA or senior administrator in a busy environment is essential.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 44800 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time, Term Time Only + 4 weeks in the holidays.
Salary: Pro rata salary £39,400 to £44,800 pa.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced EA, PA, Office Manager or senior Administrator who is confident operating in a busy, people-facing environment to play a key role supporting the Head of Oxford High School.
As Executive Assistant to the Head, you will play a central role in the smooth running of the Head’s office and the wider school. You will manage a busy and complex diary, coordinate meetings, correspondence, briefings, visits and follow-up actions, and act as a trusted first point of contact for pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumnae and external partners. Much of the role is about anticipating what is needed, protecting the Head’s time and ensuring that communication from the Head’s office is warm, professional, timely and well judged.
You will also take responsibility for key operational and governance processes that help the school run effectively. This will include leading the planning of the school calendar, coordinating major meetings and events, supporting admissions, HR, bursary and compliance administration, maintaining confidential records, and acting as Clerk to the Governors.
This is a term time only role, with 4 additional weeks to be worked during school holidays as required and especially at exam results times.
About you
You will be a highly organised and proactive EA/PA or senior administrator, with experience of supporting leaders in a busy, complex environment. Calm under pressure and confident managing competing priorities, you will bring excellent diary, calendar and administrative skills, strong communication, sound judgement and absolute respect for confidentiality.
You will be comfortable working with senior leaders, governors, staff, pupils, parents and external contacts, and ideally have experience in a busy school or similarly service-driven setting. With strong ICT skills, attention to detail and experience organising meetings and events, you will be motivated by playing a trusted, central role in the smooth running of school life.
About Oxford High School
Since its foundation 150 years ago in the heart of Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls’ education. Today, Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work. As well as our commitment to girls’ education, we are committed to investing in our staff’s personal development through training and learning initiatives and via the Girls’ Day School Trust network. We are proud to have recently received the Independent Girls’ School of the Year Award for 2023 and have been shortlisted for the TES School Awards Prep School of the Year 2024.
As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, we offer a variety of benefits, which include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- Free school lunches
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply please click the apply button. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 14 June 2026. Interviews will take place on 22 and 24 June 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview candidates as applications are received; please note that the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Oxford High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Senior EA to Head of School (Term-Time) employer: Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including free school lunches and generous discounts for staff children, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our employees. Join us in making a meaningful impact on girls' education while enjoying a fulfilling career in a prestigious institution recognised for its excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior EA to Head of School (Term-Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Oxford High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what the Head really values in an EA.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by anticipating questions. Think about how your experience aligns with managing busy diaries and supporting senior leaders. We want to hear how you’ve handled similar situations in the past!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully coordinated events or managed complex schedules. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are excited about contributing to our vibrant school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior EA to Head of School (Term-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as an EA or PA in busy environments. We want to see how your skills match the specific needs of the Head of School role.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role involves managing a complex diary and coordinating various tasks, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple priorities in the past. We love a good story about keeping things running smoothly!
Communicate Clearly and Professionally:Your written communication should reflect the warm and professional tone we value at StudySmarter. Use clear language and ensure your application is free from typos or errors – first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a streamlined process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the interview stage as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford High School GDST
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior EA to the Head of School. Familiarise yourself with managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, and supporting various operational processes. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles. Highlight your experience in busy environments and how you’ve kept everything running smoothly. This is crucial for a role that requires calmness under pressure and excellent administrative skills.
✨Communicate Warmly and Professionally
Since you'll be the first point of contact for many stakeholders, practice conveying warmth and professionalism in your communication. Think about how you can reflect this in your answers and body language during the interview. It’s all about making a great first impression!
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, the Head’s expectations, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
